This past month has seen FW in the big fashion capitals of the world. For me, it’s one of the best times of year in the fashion calendar and so this season, I have decided to show you a pick of my favourite shows from this fabulous week in fashion.
Balmain
Mr Rousteing just never disappoints does he? The decadently decorated 19th century Hotel Potocki, Paris saw a star studded show of what I believe was one of the most wearable collections this fashion week. A whole host of Rousteing’s most popular faces from his Balmain Army, wearing opposite coloured wigs, catapulted the jaw-dropping pieces down the runway including Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Despite the autumn/winter name, the show was fit for an easter egg hunt with pastel shades seen everywhere: powder blues, sugar pinks and pale lilacs were just a few to name, as well as a mixture of textures including suede, fur, tassels and ruffles – the entire show looked good enough to eat.
Burberry
Another of my favourite shows from LFW, Christopher Bailey didn’t disappoint. Set in the beautiful Kensington Gardens, the show was a flurry of deep winter shades, patchwork layers and attention-grabbing outerwear. The most prominent piece was the brocade dress in various different patterns – a surefire hit come Christmas I’m sure. Flashes of Bailey’s much loved python print was seen throughout, including a deep green snakeskin trench. The seventies trend was still very much present on the runway with nods to the trend via subtle flares and elongated collars. What’s definite is the burberry girl won’t be going cold this winter: Bailey presented almost every style of coat possible including shearling aviator jackets, various military jackets and duffle coats cinched at the waist.
But what really made the show special this year was Jake Bugg’s outstanding live performance on the runway. His unique voice suited the mood of the show down to a tee and made it all the more interesting to watch.
Dolce and Gabbana
Every fashion week I get so excited to see Dolce and Gabbana’s offerings and this year was no different. I was welcomed with the D&G Fabulous Fantasy, and fantasy it was. Think princess at the pantomime and you have your show: Cinderella wore a cream mini dress complete with embroidered mice whilst Snow White, a red gown adorned with her seven dwarves.
Opposite the feminine princess pieces, there were flashes of military themes with frogging jackets, military style badges and baroque-esque colours of blacks and golds reminiscent of wind up toy soldiers or even a pantomime prince charming.
Examples of the brand’s more classic pieces were also seen including the classic floral Dolce print on a gorgeous white dress with yellow/cream and green print and lots of houndstooth pieces, of course embellished with fairy tale themed imagery such as mirrors, clocks and chandeliers. An odd, almost trippy Alice in Wonderland feel, addition to the show were several pieces sporting a cat print – very grandma chic. With lashings of velvet in deep violet hues to be seen and embellishments fit for a queen, the entire show was indeed a fabulous fantasy.
H&M Studio
The H&M show stuck with its roots this year producing a collection with a western vibe crossed over with swedish chic. Famous names covering different generations graced the runway in the Paris Chamber of Commerce including Amber Valletta, Natasha Poly and Jourdan Dunn. The main theme throughout was that of seventies folklore with paisley prints, flowing, loose materials and headscarves/oversized hats galore. Complete with thigh high rodeo boots and snakeskin textures, the show was a boho girl’s dream.
In contrast, the sharp tailoring and lashings of black lace stood out by a mile, yet fitted perfectly with the location. Oversized tailoring and work wear in pinstripe patterns were taken from day to night by the sexy, lingerie-esque lace offerings. The show overall was a complete mash up of styles, all ready-to-wear – all very H&M.
Versace
The main colour theme seemed to be navy whilst splashes of neon ice cream colours could be seen throughout, reminding me of the pretty pastel colours seen at Balmain. The inclusion of such spring shades mixed with a winter palette is a refreshing and daring take on the autumn/winter looks this season. Simple yet show-stopping, every single piece on the Versace woman was wearable and real, something I think fashion week can lack at times. Hats off to Donatella for this collection.
